January brought the start of the magical year the country had been awaiting for so long - 2010: The Soccer World Cup. Excitement levels reached fever-pitch and the dreaded vuvuzela attached it's onerous sound to ones' eardrums long into July, after which the instrument made the transition from festive fog-horn to a rowdy bull-horn to call rolling strike action that followed hard on the heels of the highly-successful world festival. During the month of World Cup madness, it became obvious that dog events could and would be affected, so many events were put on hold and some, such as the Oudtshoorn shows, were postponed to later dates. A vibrant time for our country, indeed!

Once again, SHOWDOGS webstats almost doubled on the previous year's unique visits. Huge thanks to our advertisers and wonderful supporters, at home and abroad. We are totally committed to bringing you show-related news and information as we celebrate our beautiful dogs and what they mean to us. We look forward to another vibrant year - here's to 2011, and all the wonderful success you wish for.

For most dog-folk, recovery from the recession has been slow, and many found their campaign trails seriously curtailed. For the second consecutive year, clubs around the country recorded worrying reductions in entry numbers, so the need to attract exhibitors by offering top quality shows has become a major factor. Whatever the reason for exhibitors staying away, it is the responsibility of all of us, collectively and individually, to encourage newcomers to our sport - and we can only do this by packing away personal agendas and striving to ensure that the hobby is largely a pleasant experience with every role player working for the greater good.

Several newly-formed clubs held successful qualifying shows and are now qualified to present championship shows: Australian Shepherd Club of the Eastern Cape, American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Gauteng and KZN Junior KC, while SA Bull Terrier Club successfully requalified for a championship show in 2011.

During 2010, the following newly-qualified clubs held their first championshiop shows: Australian Shepherd Club of the Western Cape and Klun French Bulldog Club.

SHOWDOGS wishes a long and successful future for each of these new clubs.

Several new breeds made their appearance in the South African show rings this year, some of which were imported as newcomers to the breed register, some reintroduced after many years, and some local breeding returning to the ring after a long absence from the ring. These included Affenpinscher, Azawakh, Bedlington Terrier,Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Foxhound, Italian Spinone, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier.

SHOWDOGS looks forward to these breeds making their mark at shows in SA.

During 2009, SHOWDOGS introduced the SHOWDOGS Breed Leaderboard, a point system that recognises achievement at breed level - often considered the most important celebration of success. After all, many specimens are outstanding representatives of their breed, but don't necessarily find their way to a group placing. The rating system was received with great enthusiasm and it wasn't long after the first scores became known that exhibitors began vying for points that would put their dogs in the lead. The final results of the Leaderboard were announced at the end of 2009 and, while the emphasis in this point-scoring system is on achievement at breed level only in terms of the number of dogs beaten, it is significant to recognise the achievement of Ronel Stone's Golden Retriever, CH. BARLEYWOOD BACHELOR BOY, who earned 501 points during 2009.

Announced early in the new year, the winners of the Eukanuba / SHOWDOGS Puppy of the Year 2009 were:

Also announced at that time were the winners of the Hill's / SHOWDOGS Veteran of the Year 2009:

At the Animaltalk Top 100 Award Ceremony in Johannesburg on 16 January, the country's top dogs and their owners celebrated a year of high achievement in the ring. Well done to all! AnimalTalk hosts this sought-after Top 100 all-breeds rating system.

On the other side of the world, the Westminster Kennel Club Show was held on 9 & 10 February. This magnificent showcase of American champions attracts huge interest from fanciers around the world, enhanced in modern times with streaming videos available online within two hours of each event - almost like being there! Best in Show over 2,500 dogs this year went to a Scottish Terrier, CH. ROUNDTOWN MERCEDES OF MARYSCO, owned by Musser.

Graeme Graham performed exceptionally well and proved to be a very worthy ambassador of our country's Junior Handlers at the 2010 Crufts International Junior Handler Competition. Graeme was short-listed to the final 8 - a most remarkable achievement. Well done, Graeme - South Africa is proud of you!

Crufts 2010 brought another international flavour to the results. This year's Best in Show winner was the Hungarian Vizsla, SH CH / AUST CH. HUNGARGUNN BEAR IT IN MIND (Craggs & Armstrong)

Roodepoort & Districts KC - 21 March:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mr G. Robinson: POMERANIAN - CH XANTAH ACE THE MATCH (FOURIE)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mr G. Robinson: GREAT DANE - DANELYNE MIDAS TOUCH OF CALDHAME (DEMPSEY)

The popular Port Elizabeth shows drew the usual crowd of campers on the grounds - a wonderfully social time can always be guaranteed.

Uitenhage KC - 2 April:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mr Percy Green: CHOW CHOW - CH KIMEKAI SON OF SAMURI (NICOLAU)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mr Greg Eva: SAMOYED - ANNAN BURNING AMBITION (EDMONDSON)

Port Elizabeth - 3 April:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mr Neil Kay: LHASA APSO - CH JALUS HIGH FLYER (AUCAMP / PEDEN)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mrs Avril Ventress: SAMOYED - ANNAN BURNING AMBITION (EDMONDSON)

Walmer & Sub KC - 4 April:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mrs Sue Carter: LHASA APSO - CH JALUS HIGH FLYER (AUCAMP / PEDEN)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mrs Sue Carter: SHAR PEI- WAGGITAIL TIME FOR ROLEX OF DUNSTARS (AUCAMP)

Down south, in the beautifully shady James Pearce Park, the East London shows took part in glorious weather.

East London KC - 22 May:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mrs L. Brand: AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD - CH. ROSEMERE I'M A FIREFLY FOR STAVROS (GRAY / KENNEDY / VILJOEN)
~ Best Puppy in Show: Judge Mrs L. Brand: SAMOYED - ANNAN BURNING AMBITION (EDMONDSON)

Port Rex KC - 23 May:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mrs S. Impey: DOBERMANN - CH. CHALDONNE CHEKPOINTCHARLI (LUCAS)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mrs S. Impey:SAMOYED - ANNAN BURNING AMBITION (EDMONDSON)

The KUSA Classic weekend took place at the end of May:

FCI International Africa Show - 28 May:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mr Tamas Jakkel (Hungary): POODLE (STANDARD - WHITE/BLACK) - CH LEPOMMIER THE GLADIATOR (SWANEPOEL)
~ Best Puppy in Show: Judge Mr Zlatko Kraljic (Croatia): SIBERIAN HUSKY - FOXFIRE SNAP DRAGON (BATTEY)

KUSA Championship Show - 29 May:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mr Zlatko Kraljic (Croatia): POODLE (STANDARD) - CH STELIZANE ELIZABETH SWAN (KIEFER / McQUARRIE)
~ Best Puppy in Show: Judge Mr Roberto Velez-Pico (Puerto Rico): DACHSHUND (STANDARD SMOOTH HAIR) - WAYDACK WHOLE TEN YARDS (JENKINS)

The KUSA Nationals followed on Sunday afternoon:

The KUSA National Handler competitions formed an important part of the wekend's events.

Aside from the regular Specialty and Group shows, June and July were taken over by the World Soccer Cup in South Africa - not much doggy activity to report as everyone glued themselves to the television sets....

OBITUARIES

~ Eric Hill, father of Sue Melvin, passed away during the early hours of Wednesday morning 6 January after a short illness.

~ Russell Shelver (Hellava Boston Terriers) passed away on 11 February after a bravely-fought battle with cancer.

~ Ken Hogg underwent surgery shortly before Christmas, but there were complications so he was placed into an induced coma to speed up recovery. Sadly, he deteriorated beyond recovery and passed away peacefully on Saturday 13 February. Ken was a respected All-breeds Judge and Club Administrator for many years.

~ Hentie Victor, beloved husband of Annalette (Letanna Cavaliers) passed away on Saturday 13 February after a bravely-fought struggle against cancer.

~ Ron Blair, husband of Carolyn (Afghan Hounds), passed away on 19 March. Ron had been in hospital for about two weeks following a serious heart operation. He was making slow but good progress, but later took a turn for the worse.

~ Sharon Bubb (Bubbles Bulldogs) was admitted to hospital during April for emergency surgery but she sadly succumbed to septicaemia a few days later.

~ Wayne Streak lost his sister tragically.

~ Gerry Hall passed away on the morning of 11 May after having suffered from cancer for the last year. He was a committee member of the Hottentots Holland KC for many years. Gerry will especially be remembered for his interest in the Aptitude Testing of dogs since 1989, and his love for Giant Schnauzers.

~ Janice Hoberman (Vice-chairman of Kennel Association) lost her battle with cancer at the end of June. Janice was an active member of the Kennel Association and will be missed by all who knew her for her dedication and loyalty to the club.

Sincerest condolences to family and friends as you remember your loved ones.